St Joseph’s could welcome back up to five players for Thursday’s blockbuster Anzac Day meeting with South Barwon.
Reliable defender Harry Smith and Werribee-listed ruck Oli Northam are free to play for the unbeaten Joeys after serving one-week suspensions.
Coach Ron Watt will also have calls to make on star back Jack Buckley, forward Ollie Hanneysee, who both missed the round two win over North Shore with hamstring injuries, and midfielder Ben Kamaric (shin).
“There will be a couple of selection tweaks,” Watt said.
“But, we’ve also got to be careful we don’t put too many guys in who are coming back from injury, and maybe bring them back a week early because they’re all that desperate to play Anzac Day.
“We’ll have a good look at that tonight (Monday) and Wednesday.”
Watt has confirmed Hunter Lewis will take on the Swans.
The reigning rookie of the year was forced from the ground on the weekend after a knock to the leg he broke last year.
“He got it scraped by another boot, and it flicked the scar tissue, we believe,” Watt said.
“He was up and running on Sunday morning, so he’ll definitely play.”
St Joseph’s has dominated recent meetings with South Barwon, winning 16 consecutive games – including nine straight on Anzac Day – before the Swans took care of Watt’s men by 61 points in Round 14 last year.
Joeys has started the season with convincing wins over St Albans and North Shore, but last year’s grand finalists will present a different challenge to the Supersaints and Seagulls.
“I’m expecting there’ll be a huge crowd there,” Watt said.
“Both South Barwon and Joeys have a lot of promise on their lists, and people will be looking to see a good game.
“We’ll be trying to see what the benchmark is after South Barwon did so well last year.”
Watt is also looking forward to experiencing his second game in charge of St Joseph’s on the biggest day on the local football calendar outside of the grand final.
“Everyone gets quite excited; they talk about it for weeks in the leadup,” he said.
“It is a special day for all of us, and I feel pretty lucky to have come into a club that has this tradition in place.
“A lot of guys that have been there for a while are keen on getting their hands on the Anzac Day jumpers and wearing them with pride.”
X: @krockfootball
